What is inner thigh pain?
Inner thigh pain occurs when there is an injury or condition causing pain in or around the medial (inner) thigh.
The medial thigh is a region of the body between the pelvis and the knee. There are many different structures in the medial thigh, including muscles, blood vessels, bones, and other soft tissue. Medial thigh pain can develop from an injury, such as a muscle strain caused by certain movements or activities. It can also result from medical conditions, such as arthritis, an impingement or a hernia.[1],[2]
In some cases, medial thigh pain can indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a blood clot. It is important to consult a health practitioner to get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Learn about what causes and treatment for medial thigh pain, and when there might be cause for concern.
What are the symptoms of inner thigh pain?
Symptoms of inner thigh pain may include:
-
Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the medial thigh, groin, or leg
-
Pain that gets worse with activity
-
Stiffness
-
Cramping
-
Difficulty with everyday activities.
What causes inner thigh pain?
Inner thigh pain has a variety of causes, ranging from a simple muscle strain to more serious underlying medical conditions.
Here are some common causes of inner thigh pain:
1. Muscle strain
The inner thigh has three main muscle groups that can be injured and cause inner thigh pain: the abdominal muscles, the iliopsoas, and the adductor muscles. The primary purpose of these muscles is to stabilise the body and allow joints to move.
A muscle strain often results from excessive stretching, particularly when trying to activate the muscle, such as during a kick or change of direction. In this way, groin muscle strains are common in multidirectional sporting activities, such as football or rugby.
Symptoms can include a sudden dull or sharp pain, reduced range of motion, difficulty walking or putting weight through the leg, and muscle tension. Muscle strains may recover with simple treatments or rest. However, more severe strains may require medical input and a prolonged break from sport.
2. Femoroacetabular impingement in the hip
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a hip condition caused by impingement in the hip joint. This can be due to a bony growth, an injury to the hip, or abnormal mechanics in the hip joint.
Some people may not experience any symptoms. However, in some cases the impingement can cause pain and stiffness in the groin and inner thigh. It is common in young, athletic populations, such as soccer or hockey players. Pain is usually episodic and worse with activity, particularly squats and other hip movements. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore range of motion and function.
3. Osteoarthritis
Inner thigh pain can be caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of the cartilage in the joints.[3] Common symptoms include stiffness, an aching or sometimes sharp pain, and difficulty with everyday activities.
The pain often originates in the hip or lower spine, and can radiate into the inner thigh. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the pain. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and often needs to be monitored and managed over time. In some cases, surgery may be considered to resolve the symptoms and restore function.
4. Hernia
A hernia occurs when tissue bulges through a weakened spot in the connective tissue of the body. Common types of hernia include an inguinal hernia or a femoral hernia, and both can cause inner thigh pain.
Symptoms include pain or discomfort, particularly when coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. There may also be a feeling of ‘heaviness’ in the abdomen or groin, and sometimes it is possible to feel a lump in the affected area.
Hernias are usually diagnosed by a doctor, and the treatment will depend on the severity and location of the hernia.
5. Pubic symphysis dysfunction
Pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD) is a term that describes a group of symptoms causing discomfort in the groin or inner thigh.[4] It is often associated with pregnancy, as the ligaments naturally stretch and the joints become more mobile in preparation for the birth. However, PSD can also be caused by a fracture or sporting injuries.
Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and a ‘clicking’ sensation in the groin region. It may also lead to difficulty with everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.
6. Blood clots
A blood clot is a serious medical condition. Clots can occur throughout the body, but also develop in deep veins, referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT can be life-threatening as it can break off and travels to the brain (causing a stroke) or lungs (called a pulmonary embolism) and requires emergency medical input.
Symptoms may include
-
Pain
-
Swelling
-
Skin discolouration
-
Heat or redness in the area
-
Sudden shortness of breath
-
Chest pain or discomfort
-
Dizziness or loss of consciousness
Risk factors for blood clots
Although blood clots are rare, there are several risk factors that may increase the risk of developing them:
-
Recent surgery
-
Contraceptive medications
-
Immobility, such as being bedridden
-
Sitting for prolonged periods, such as in a plane
-
Family history of blood clots
-
Genetic abnormalities, such as thrombophilia
-
Vein procedures, such as peripheral venous catheter insertion
-
Varicose veins
-
Cancer
-
Heart issues
-
Smoking
-
Obesity
-
Pregnancy.
Other causes of inner thigh pain
-
Kidney stones
-
Pinched nerve
-
Tumour
-
Infection
-
Referred pain
-
Fracture
Diagnosing inner thigh pain
As there are many different causes of inner thigh pain, it is important to discuss any symptoms with a health practitioner. Depending on the symptoms, they will review the medical history, complete a physical examination, and may request further testing such as imaging, blood tests, or specialist input.
As there are many different causes for inner thigh pain, including some that are serious medical issues, it is important to get the correct diagnosis before any treatment is considered.
Treating inner thigh pain
There are many different treatment options for inner thigh pain. Sometimes, the pain can resolve on its own. However, a combination of simple treatments may be beneficial to reduce any symptoms. The best option depends on the cause and severity of the pain.
Some common treatment options include:
-
Ice/heat - This can provide temporary relief to assist with symptoms whilst participating in physiotherapy and exercise.
-
Analgesia - Pain relief can be used to help settle the pain and symptoms.
-
Relative rest - Rest may offer temporary relief from the pain, and allow the structures to start healing.
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist can help assess and treat inner thigh pain. They may prescribe a progressive exercise program to help recondition the muscles, improve the strength, and restore function in the legs and body. Other treatments may include taping, technique assessment, and activity modification.
Medical treatment
Further treatment may be required if the pain is severe or persistent. A doctor may recommend:
-
Prescription medications
-
Therapeutic devices
-
A surgical review.
In some cases of inner thigh pain, emergency medical input may be required. Treatment will depend on the cause of the symptoms and any relevant diagnoses.
Preventing medial thigh pain
Whilst it may not be possible to completely avoid medial thigh pain, there are some strategies that can help keep the body strong and reduce the risk of developing medial thigh pain, including:
-
Exercising regularly
-
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
-
Completing a warm-up and cool-down for exercise
-
Avoiding sudden increases in activity or load
-
Undergoing appropriate training for the relevant sport.
Things to consider
The cause of inner thigh pain can be simple, such as a muscle strain. However, inner thigh pain can also be caused by a serious underlying condition that may require urgent medical input. If there are any concerns, it is important to consult a doctor.
